If you’re battling stubborn wounds, persistent brain fog, or a slow recovery after surgery or concussion, you might feel like you’ve tried everything. But what if your body simply isn’t getting enough oxygen where it’s needed most?
At MaxWell Clinic in Nashville, we offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)—a powerful, evidence-informed treatment that uses oxygen under pressure to stimulate healing, fight infection, and optimize recovery. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic health issue or seeking peak performance, HBOT could be the missing piece.
In this post, we’ll answer the most common questions about HBOT and explain how this therapy works, what it treats, and whether it’s right for you.
📺 Watch David Haase, MD explain HBOT in this short video
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves sitting or lying in a sealed chamber where the air pressure is increased to 1.5–2 times normal atmospheric pressure. During the session, you breathe nearly 100% oxygen, which dissolves not just into your red blood cells—but into your blood plasma.
Think of it this way: if normal oxygen delivery is like a two-lane road, HBOT turns it into a six-lane superhighway. This massive oxygen boost helps fuel tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
How Does HBOT Work?
Under pressure, oxygen does more than support respiration—it becomes therapeutic. Here’s what happens in the body:
- Increased oxygen delivery to damaged or poorly perfused tissue
- Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
- Enhanced immune response to fight infection
- New blood vessel growth (angiogenesis)
- Revitalized mitochondrial function, increasing ATP production (your cells’ energy source)
In short, HBOT turns oxygen into a high-dose healing agent.
What Conditions Is HBOT Approved to Treat?
The FDA currently approves HBOT for 14 medical conditions, including:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Radiation injury to soft tissue or bone
- Chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis)
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Decompression sickness
- Crush injuries
- Skin grafts at risk of failure
Can HBOT Help Brain Injuries or Long COVID?
Yes, and this is one of the most exciting frontiers in HBOT research. While these uses are considered “off-label,” studies show promising results in:
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Long COVID brain fog
- Neurodegenerative conditions
- Cognitive fatigue and slow healing after brain injury
Randomized trials have reported cognitive improvements, reduced fatigue, and better quality of life after a structured series of 40–80 sessions.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?
For most people, yes. The most common side effect is temporary ear pressure, similar to flying. Rare side effects may include sinus discomfort or fatigue following a session. HBOT at MaxWell Clinic is administered at safe, therapeutic pressures with close monitoring.
How Long Is a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session?
Each HBOT session at MaxWell Clinic lasts about 60 minutes under pressure, plus time for pressurization and depressurization.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
That depends on your condition and goals. But typically:
- Wound healing: 20–40 sessions
- Post-concussion or long COVID: 40–80 sessions
- Athletic recovery or health optimization: often 5–10 sessions for maintenance
When Will I Start to Feel Results?
Some patients notice better sleep, energy, or reduced pain after just a few sessions. More significant improvements in tissue healing, cognitive clarity, or inflammation typically appear halfway through the protocol.
Who Should Not Do HBOT?
While HBOT is safe for most people, it is not recommended for those with:
- Untreated pneumothorax
- Recent use of certain chemotherapy agents
- COPD with CO₂ retention (requires individual evaluation)
- High fevers or severe sinus congestion
If you’re unsure, our medical team will help you determine if HBOT is appropriate for you.
Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Hurt?
No. The treatment is painless. The only sensation you may notice is pressure in your ears, similar to the feeling during an airplane’s ascent. Swallowing or gentle Valsalva maneuvers usually relieve it easily.
Can Children Receive HBOT?
Yes, HBOT can be used for children with conditions such as:
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Cerebral palsy
We evaluate pediatric cases individually to ensure safe pressure and timing. In some cases, a parent may join the child in the chamber for comfort.
Does HBOT Help with Athletic Recovery?
Yes. Many professional and amateur athletes use HBOT to:
- Speed recovery from injury
- Reduce inflammation
- Minimize soreness
- Optimize tissue repair
While research is still emerging, anecdotal evidence and personal performance gains are strong—and HBOT is legal and drug-free.
How Does HBOT Compare to Other Wound Healing Therapies?
Most wound care focuses on the surface—topical dressings, antibiotics, or creams. HBOT works from the inside out, saturating your tissue with oxygen, stimulating new blood vessels, and supporting collagen growth. It’s typically used in combination with other therapies for optimal results.
Why Choose MaxWell Clinic for HBOT in Nashville?
At MaxWell Clinic, you’re not just stepping into a chamber—you’re stepping into a comprehensive healing environment. Our approach to HBOT includes:
- Medical oversight by functional medicine experts
- Whole-body support that enhances your therapy outcomes
- A warm, professional setting in Brentwood just south of Nashville
Is HBOT Right for You?
You might benefit from HBOT if you’re experiencing:
- Chronic wounds or slow post-surgical healing
- Post-concussion symptoms
- Brain fog or fatigue from long COVID
- Radiation-related tissue damage
- A desire to enhance performance and recovery
How to Get Started with HBOT at MaxWell Clinic
📞 Call or text 615-370-0091 to speak with a Patient Navigator. We’ll help you set up your appointment!
Oxygen is the oldest medicine on Earth. Pressure is the key that unlocks its full potential.
If you’re curious about whether HBOT can help you turn a healing corner, we’re here to talk, answer questions, and point you toward evidence-based options—whether you dive with us or not.
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